BY EMILY KLINE
VEHICLE ELECTRIFICATION IS RAPIDLY CHANGING the automotive industry. As electric vehicles (EVs) have grown more affordable and accessible, they have surged in popularity among consumers. The automotive repair industry must adapt to meet the escalating demand for servicing these vehicles.
Currently, there is a lack of knowledge among technicians regarding how to fix EVs. Chris Quarto, Executive Director of the EVPro+ Global Training and Certification Program for Electrified Vehicle System Technologies, sat down with MWACA to discuss why proper training on electrified vehicles is so important for the American automotive industry.
EV REPAIR REQUIRES A NEW SKILL SET
According to Quarto, working with electrified vehicle systems involves a new set of skills that differ greatly from traditional ICE vehicle systems.
“Automotive service, repair, maintenance, diagnostic, and instructional professionals interacting with electrified vehicle systems and technologies will need to acquire new skill sets that ensure they safely and successfully deliver the high-quality results currently experienced when working with traditional vehicles,” Quarto said.
Advancements around electrified vehicle technology will continue to grow with the accelerating adoption of EVs in the U.S. and around the world. Automotive repair professionals must adopt a mindset of lifelong learning to service EVs effectively and safely.
“EVs are a new and advanced technology to the automotive aftermarket when compared to the 125+ year mature internal combustion engine vehicles. EV systems and technologies will remain on a 90-degree vertical climb for decades into the future with an ongoing and diverse variety of new products and solutions being developed worldwide,” Quarto said. “As we operate in a global economy, automotive products purchased by U.S. consumers and businesses are designed and manufactured throughout the world, providing what may be an endless possibility of options that will become available. This requires strong consideration be given toward adopting a philosophy of lifelong learning and training as an everyday commitment to ensure we are properly prepared to service these products as they arrive at our front door.”
As consumer demand for EVs continues to increase in the U.S., Quarto said this is the ideal time for technicians to start training on electrified vehicle systems diagnostics and repair if they haven’t already done so.
“In the U.S. market, we currently have approximately 8 million VIO (vehicles in operation) with more than 200 make-models of hybrid electric (HEV), plug-in hybrid (PHEV), battery electric (EV or BEV), and extended range electric (EREV) vehicles that need assorted services and repairs performed now,” Quarto said. “It’s the perfect time to begin your professional EV systems and technologies training journey providing the ability to acquire knowledge, experience, and other competencies in addition to your current ICE, diesel, etc. expertise.”
A DIFFERENT TRAINING APPROACH
Given the intricacies of electrified vehicle systems, Quarto advises technicians to broaden their knowledge and skills by pursuing training and educational opportunities beyond those typically utilized for traditional vehicle repair.
“Electrified vehicle systems and architectures can be abstract in nature, thus requiring a solid understanding and competencies in areas such as automotive software, electronics, chemistry, 3-phase, and alternating current as representative examples to consider when selecting supplier(s) and or partners that have authenticated EV expertise to fulfill your training requirements,” Quarto said. “It’s understandable that most automotive professionals have their training suppliers of choice for a number of reasons — let’s call it their preferred or trusted experts in the world of traditional vehicle repairs. One must seriously consider if the current trainers and/or experts of choice for ICE vehicles, as one example, are also professional industry experts in electrified vehicle systems and technologies.”
For technicians who are hesitant to pursue training outside of those they’ve used for traditional vehicle repair, Quarto encouraged thinking of how you’d approach a medical specialist when you need to see a doctor.
“In other words, if you’re going to your preferred certified brain surgeon expert for traditional vehicle system repairs, is this same brain surgeon also an authenticated certified expert in electrified vehicle systems repair, or should you seek a certified heart surgeon for these repairs?”
Quarto noted that aftermarket service professionals who are seeking a career that will involve working with electrified vehicle systems and technologies should expect to invest significant time and resources, years of hands-on experience, and various levels of training, including product-specific courses. Without this dedication, it’s unlikely to achieve the level of success these professionals have experienced in the traditional vehicle service space.
“To successfully work within the EV space, it is our recommendation you consider initially focusing on ‘technology and standards-based training,’ providing a solid foundation of knowledge and competencies,” Quarto said. “Also, it’s important to ensure the training you receive has been validated for accuracy, is complete and consistent with the EV technologies governing and industry standards.”
INVEST IN TRAINING NOW FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUTURE
After working in the electrified vehicle space for more than 36 years — and corroborating with customers including technicians and educators — Quarto and her team have learned that focusing training on systems and technology provides the best opportunity for success. A systems and technology focus ensures you are fundamentally prepared to engage with most vehicle make and models rather than being limited by a product-specific focus.
“Of course, there will be specialty and unique situations that occur depending on the vehicle,” Quarto said. “However, that information or training can be obtained as needed. In addition, it’s important to consider — specific to EVs — that case studies, pattern failures, and YouTube-style videos may not be the best resources available to you for EV training at this time. This is primarily due to the fact that this technology is not mature and most, though not all, individuals have little to zero professional experience in this area.
Quarto once again stressed the importance of identifying a qualified training partner for anyone interested in learning how to service EVs.
“Whether you are just starting your EV Service journey or are looking to enhance your skills and services provided, secure the best and most credible information you can regarding electrified vehicle systems and technologies then begin your training supplier selection,” Quarto said. “The EV technologies and systems are quite different from traditional vehicle systems; this requires a different approach to how we conduct business, the services we offer, how we interact with our customers, insurance-liability factors, and the list goes on.”
It’s critical to invest in specialized training for technicians to ensure the safe and efficient maintenance of EVs, especially as they continue to grow in popularity. As EV technology advances, technicians must commit to continuous training and education to provide the best possible service to their customers. Ultimately, the success of the EV industry hinges on the availability of skilled professionals who understand these complex systems.